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Sandra Wagner-Wright

Rama's Labyrinth: A Biographical Novel (Women of Determination and Courage)

Synopsis

Biographical historical fiction that takes the reader across India during the last decades of the British Raj.
From a girlhood among Hindu shrines to widowhood and Christian conversion, Rama seeks her destiny. Is it only to educate Hindu widows? Or does God have a larger plan in mind?
Rama’s Labyrinth traces the life of Pandita Ramabai, a social reformer who rose above personal adversity to rescue and educate famine victims.

Author Biography

Sandra Wagner-Wright holds the doctoral degree in history and taught women’s and global history at the University of Hawai`i. Rama’s Labyrinth is her first work of historical fiction. When she’s not researching or writing, Sandra enjoys travel, including trips to India, South Africa, and the Galapagos Islands. Sandra particularly likes writing about strong women who make a difference. She lives in Hilo, Hawai`i with her family and writes a weekly blog relating to history, travel, and the idiosyncrasies of life. Check out Sandra’s webpage at www.sandrawagnerwright.com

Author Insight

It's No More Illogical Than Hinduism

Rama's thinking about religion. She finds no place in Hinduism or Brahmo Samaj. Christianity seems different. There's a place for women, a place for her. Or so Rama thinks. Bipin isn't sympathetic.

Book Excerpt

Rama's Labyrinth: A Biographical Novel (Women of Determination and Courage)

“I’m attracted to the idea of Christian baptism. I mean, it just seems more personal than how Brahmo Samaj looks at things, and Jesus offered forgiveness equally to men and women.”

Bipin’s faced looked like thunder. “What’s gotten into you? I can only think the child makes you daft, and the sooner you give birth the better. You know what I think about foreign religions.”

“Yes. I know your thoughts, and I’d never do anything against your wishes, but I feel adrift within myself. There’s no higher power for me to call upon. I’ve rejected Father’s faith, because as a woman I can’t achieve salvation. I studied everything in Brahmo Samaj, but there’s nothing there to support me. I’m very taken with what Reverend Allen shared about Jehovah and his Son. It’s no more illogical than Hinduism. There’s a place for women with Jesus. There’s a place for me.”

“Rama, you astonish me. You’re a Pandita. I excuse your behavior only because of the child you carry. Her growth clouds your thinking.”